MS Dhoni’s participation in the Indian Premier League (IPL) for 2025 remains shrouded in uncertainty. With the team retention deadline fast approaching, all eyes are on the legendary cricketer to see if he will don the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) jersey once again.
Under the new IPL regulations, Dhoni can be retained by CSK as an uncapped player, a provision that significantly reduces his retention cost to a modest INR 4 crore. This rule applies because Dhoni has not played an international match since the 2019 World Cup semi-final against New Zealand.
The CSK management has left the decision entirely in Dhoni’s hands, allowing him to assess his current form and fitness before making a call. Despite an anticipated meeting with CSK officials by mid-October, Dhoni has yet to communicate his decision. Sources close to the team confirm that they have reached out but are still awaiting his response.
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In IPL 2024, Dhoni continued to dazzle with his trademark big-hitting skills, despite battling injuries. After undergoing knee surgery following CSK’s victorious IPL 2023 campaign, Dhoni returned to the field and scored 161 runs in 14 matches at an impressive average of 53.66 and a strike rate of 220.54. However, CSK had a disappointing season, finishing fifth in the points table and missing out on the playoffs.
The new IPL rules allow teams to retain up to six players, with one of them being an uncapped player. The pricing structure for capped players is tiered, starting at INR 18 crore for the first player and decreasing accordingly. This flexibility enables CSK to balance retaining key players while considering Dhoni’s potential return.
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Dhoni’s possible return is not just about his on-field prowess but also about his emotional and strategic importance to CSK. As a talismanic figure, his presence can significantly boost team morale and attract fans. However, the final decision rests with Dhoni, who must weigh his personal readiness against the demanding nature of the IPL season.
With just two weeks left before the retention deadline, the cricket community holds its breath as it awaits Dhoni’s decision.
